Being a sacristan is a very beneficial way to help out our church community, and an active way to participate in a Catholic Mass. They have very important roles before, during, and after Mass. Duties include setting up the sacred vessels and placing them on the table for the gifts procession. At Communion, the sacristan brings out the consecrated hosts from the tabernacle and hands the vessel to an EMHC when needed. After Communion, the sacristan returns any consecrated hosts to the tabernacle and the vessels to the sacristy for purification. Once Mass is over, the sacristan returns the vessels to the vestry for the next Mass or storage. The sacristan may have other duties as needed, or with special times of the year.
Time: Volunteers are scheduled on a rotating basis through Ministry Scheduler Pro. You determine your availability and schedule. Volunteers arrive at least a half hour before Mass time and will normally be finished 15 to 20 minutes after Mass.
Gifts and talents: A sacristan is an EMHC (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion) who receives additional training. The training is not long and is best done by shadowing a sacristan for a few Sunday Liturgies. This is a rewarding ministry for a few good smiling people who like to help things run smoothly.